April showers might bring May flowers, but May flowers bring… June sunshine and heat. Now is the best time to prepare your car for summer, before hot, humid days and unpredictable summer storms settle in. Investing a little time into your car now can save you big bucks (and headaches) down the road.

Maintain the coolant system. If there is only one thing you do to make sure your vehicle is ready for extreme summer heat, we recommend having your coolant system checked for any issues. Have the radiator pressure tested and hoses examined for cracks, leaks, or other signs of damage. It’s also a good idea to have your water pump and thermostat looked at. Also make sure to have your coolant replaced, especially if you haven’t done so recently. These simple checks are inexpensive, and can save you from being stranded on the side of the road in sweltering heat.

Check the air conditioning system. Your air conditioning system works over-time in the summer, and it’s best to have it checked yearly. Your trusted technician should look over the compressor, evaporator and thermostat to make sure all parts are working correctly to put out chilly air.

Catch up on regular maintenance. I think it’s safe to say that we’d all rather hibernate in the winter than take care of our regular car maintenance. Now is the time to get caught up if you skipped an oil change or need to have those squeaky brakes looked at.

Replace the windshield wipers. This pesky little chore is inexpensive and simple to do, but car owners still tend to put it off. Head to your local auto parts store (or Sierra Mazda’s parts department), to find the correct blades for your car. You’ll be grateful to have fresh wiper blades next time a summer storm hits!

Replace filters. If you have filters than need to be replaced, now is the time to do it. Cleanfilters will help your car to run at its most efficient, saving you money in the long-run.

For more information on preparing your car for summer, visit dmv.org or schedule a service appointment with us here at Sierra Mazda in Ottawa, IL!